Parable 5: That Will Pass

A student began meditating.
Sitting straight and tall.
Following the breath.
In. Out. In. Out.
Just sitting. Just breathing.
"But the meditation isn't working," the student complained. "My back hurts, and I can't stop thinking about things. Sometimes I fall asleep! I don't know what to do."
"That will pass," replied the teacher, smiling.
The student kept on meditating.
Sitting straight and tall.
Following the breath.
In. Out. In. Out.
Just sitting. Just breathing.
Several weeks later, the same student reported, "My meditation is going great! I'm completely at ease; it feels wonderful!"
"That will pass," replied the teacher, smiling.

~ ~ ~

This one always makes me laugh! You can read this story in 108 Zen Parables and Stories by Olga Gutsol. I reminds me of the proverb about Sai's horse; I should do that as a proverb next time!

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